Dental sealants are thin, protective coats applied to the chewing surfaces of the teeth to help prevent tooth decay. They are applied to the nooks and crannies of the back teeth - areas that are not always easy to clean - to prevent the buildup of food debris and harmful bacteria.
Dental sealants protect the vulnerable areas of the teeth from cavities by “sealing out” food and plaque.
The likelihood of developing pit and fissure decay begins early in life, which makes children the obvious candidates for sealants. We recommend sealing their first permanent molars as soon as they erupt. The second application is due when their next set of molars erupt. Every child is different, and these two sets of molars usually arrive by the age of 6 and 12, give or take one year.
In some cases, we may also recommend sealing premolars and baby teeth if they have deep pits and fissures.
Sealing the chewing surfaces of the teeth is simple and straightforward. On the appointment, we will clean the teeth, dry them, apply the sealants, and harden them using a light cure. The application of sealant is quick and painless and is usually done in just one appointment.
Sealants often last many years, however, it’s not the same for every child. Your child’s oral hygiene, diet, and habits are factors that affect the longevity of their sealants.
Grinding, chewing on pencil and ice, frequent snacking on hard, chewy food, and injuries can chip sealants. During your child’s regular dental check-up, we check their sealants for wear and fracture and replace them as necessary.